A Southern Literary Review of Humor
In pursuing a Southern literary review of humor, one can easily note the variety of techniques used for comedic effect. There’s one device in particular, stated as advice to the reader: expect the unexpected. A Southern literary review of humor, on the other hand, says to the author: Take the reader one way, then reverse course abruptly. And the emphasis is on abruptly.
In Meet Me on the Paisley Roof, this advice from a Southern literary review is illustrated in the following scene in the hot sun between the sixteen-year-old Trussell and Miss Sealy, a former roomer at his house. He tells her what Beethoven's last piano sonata means to him. His oration soars, reaching a climax when, speaking for Beethoven, he begins: "My friend, welcome to my heart." Miss Sealy replies "I'm going to be sick." And she does. She throws right up. You need to read the whole scene!
We see this same technique, in Lake Wogebon Days. A teenage boy, after a few beers, joy rides up a grain elevator in a rickety basket for a grand view of the nighttime countryside. The ride up in the swaying basket is scary. The view of a few town lights below is unimpressive. But the ride down, which began as a free fall before the brakes take hold, is terrorizing. Reaching the ground, he throws up. A great example of this device!
Enjoy the Southern literary view of humor? Get your copy of Meet Me on the Paisley Roof today!
